THE GRIP

Whattttttt?

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:22:00 +0000

Yeah, so, it's nearly summer, which means it has almost been a year since I left London to come home. I still miss it desperately, but I am excited that two of my best friends, Ems and Mel, are going to visit me in Cali at the end of May! We are also going to Vegas and San Diego, and we're planning on seeing a Cirque du Soleil show, which will be fantastic. I've never been to a Cirque show!

Still, I miss my life and friends there desperately, but I have finally settled back into my American ways. It's always good to be back, but there is something about my life there that made me feel free that I can't seem to find here. I am hoping I can find that missing piece when I actually get a chance to live and enjoy SF.... It's hard to explore this city with my schedule, which is frustrating. It's even more frustrating seeing failed friendships due to this schedule.

The other big news of this week (similar to the other 50 some odd weeks this year) is that I still don't have a summer internship. I have applied to more than I care to disclose, and to be perfectly honest, I am getting frustrated. USF has just recently set up a MBA internship workshop for next week - 3 weeks before summer. Why did they not organize this 6 months ago........? Your guess is as good as mine. At any rate, I HAVE received offers... just not what I want. Really what I am looking for is either big brand marketing experience, or anything relating to product development, brand management, or social media.

If any of my loyal followers knows someone important who wants to give me a job for more than minimum wage, let's get in touch. I would be forever indebted to you, because apparently everyone has an MBA in California, and it isn't worth shit here.**

Bla, bla, bla, ok let's get to the good stuff. So the iPad came out? Did everyone get their Apple stock before it was launched? I didn't #taylorfail. It's ok, one day I'll make millions from my MBA.... haha, just kidding. However, I actually bought the new macbook pro - BEST PURCHASE OF MY LIFE!!!! The way I look at is that I am helping all of those shareholders, so therefore, I am actually not only doing my part in boosting the economy by reducing my marginal propensity to spend and increasing personal consumption, but simultaneously I am increasing the value to all of the Apple shareholders. I am awesome. You are welcome.

On that note, it's hasta luego time. Buenos noches, and see you all soon. xoxo

**Disclaimer: MBAs are apparently no longer valuable according to the Economist in their Nov 2009 issue, and based on personal experience in applying to jobs in the SF bay area.

Edge of Desire

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 20:41:00 +0000

Young and full of running
Tell me where has that taken me?
Just a great figure eight or a tiny infinity?

Love is really nothing
But a dream that keeps waking me,
For all of my trying
We still end up dying, how can it be?

Don't say a word just come over and lie here with me,
'Cause I'm just about to set fire to everything I see,
I want you so bad, I'll go back on the things I believed,
There I just said it, I'm scared you'll forget about me.

So young and full of running, all the way to the edge of desire
Steady my breathing, silently screaming,
"I have to have you now"
Wired and I'm tired
Think I'll sleep in my clothes on the floor
Maybe this mattress will spin on its axis and find me on yours

Don't say a word just come over and lie here with me
'Cause I'm just about to set fire to everything I see
I want you so bad I'll go back on the things I believe
There I just said it, I'm scared you'll forget about me

Don't say a word just come over and lie here with me
'Cause I'm just about to set fire to everything I see
I want you so bad I'll go back on the things I believe
There I just said it, I'm scared you'll forget about me

- john mayer

iPhone Sausage Stylus

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:33:00 +0000

I came across this and couldn't help but laugh. There's a new stylus made out of real meat (since the iPhone is heat sensitive) that should come in handy for people who hate taking off their gloves during the winter.

"Apparently snack sausages from the CJ Corporation are electrostatically compatible with the iPhone's capacitive touchscreen, leading many to use them as a "meat stylus" in the cold weather, rather than remove a glove. And it's not just a joke; apparently South Korean snack sausage sales are soaring." --engadget.com

If only a sausage was the solution to every problem!

via deals.woot

Simmer down

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:34:00 +0000

Ok ok ok everyone. Stop getting your panties in a bunch. Yes, my last post was a bit harsh, but it was all tongue and cheek, and meant purely as an outlet for my pent up frustrations. Everything that was posted was based on FACT. I just made a few fat jokes in the interim - so sue me.

Cheslea Handler and Perez Hilton do the same thing about famous people, midgets and minorities; I was just doing it on a smaller scale.

Plus, I thought of the consequence if she ever came after me.... all she'd have to do to win would be to sit on me.

SQUISH!

People who dine in restaurants...

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:35:00 +0000

must be completely retarded. It's like the are caged animals who return to their primal instincts and lose all their manners, common sense, and sense of composure.

No, we don't serve dinner at all hours of the night. The kitchen closes at 9:30. Don't have attitude with me because you're an idiot and couldn't figure that out. Maybe if you weren't from Oz I'd like you more, but you're being rude about a matter which is common sense, and more importantly, you have a foolish accent.

Yes, you can have a table with a view of the bay. All of the tables in the dining room have a view of the bay. Look out the window.

If you walk in without a reservation, then it's not my fault that you can't get a table in the dining room. We're a busy restaurant and all of the other sensible people in the world made a reservation, why didn't you? Don't get mad at me because you're stupid.

"Well what about those tables over there where no one is sitting?" No, you can't have that table. It's saved for someone who made a reservation.

But the worst has got to be the people who complain to the host after they aren't satisfied with their meal. Albeit it doesn't happen often, if you have an issue with your main course, tell the waiter who can fix it. Why are you eating something you aren't happy with? That is just idiocy. The host cannot help you whatsoever. I repeat: the host cannot help you once you've eaten and paid for your meal. You have already finished your dinner, and I can't do anything about it. If you want someone to listen about why you're an idiot, tell the bum outside.

The final thing that really bothers me is that people assume I'm an idiot. Well, idiot diners of the world, this post is for you. Cheers.

What's up Europe?!

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:52:00 +0000

During my Christmas break from school, I got the chance to return back to London and do some traveling. And, I can't believe that I haven't updated this in SO long. So, I am going to tell you about my two amazing weeks in Europe.

I flew into London and stayed with my friend Emma for a few days. I made a stop by the NB office and said my hello's to all of my old colleagues. Being back in the office was funny because no one had filled my seat, and everyone was more or less the same. I had a fantastic night out wandering the West End with my girls Emma and boing Melski... Seriously, the night was probably one of the most fun nights I have had in a while - what a way to start off 2010!

After spending two days in the best city in the world, I was off to Rome to meet Bojan, who I hadn't seen since our trip to Barcelona in October 2008! Although I have been to Italy quite a few times, I never had a chance to make it to Rome. Rome was absolutely incredible - the thousand year old architecture, the food, and the vibe. We spent 3 days there, and visited the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Vatican City, Saint Peters Basilica, and the Colosseum. Unfortunately, the Sistine Chapel was closed when we went to the Vatican, so of course, that means I'll just have to make another trip back! Although it rained the entire time, we had so much fun seeing the sights, eating fantastic Italian food, and drinking wine.

While the Italians were plenty of fun, I was then off to meet Satindar (who has a new blog: satindar.blogspot.com) in Barcelona. Although I have been to Spain about 5 times, this is actually my first post, which is a bit surprising! I love Barcelona. The architecture brims on French, but there's the Spanish twist makes it so charming. The food is fantastic, and you can't not love wandering the streets. While we were there, we visited Parc Guell, la Sagrada Familia, some of Gaudi's buildings, and the Latin quarter.

Since you know my deep love for budget airlines, I had another phenomenal travel experience with Ryanair. Gatwick had closed due to weather conditions (yes, apparently it DOES snow in London), and I was redirected (8 hours later) to my favourite London airport, Luton. Trust me, if you ever get a chance to visit that place, do it. There is just SO much to see there. Just kidding. It is a complete shithole, and you should probably kill yourself if you ever get stuck there. (Note: The picture below is NOT Luton, it's Barcelona).

After a nightmare flight back to London, I finally made it back to my home sweet home, away from home, on Radbourne Road, also commonly known as Radbourne Palace. It was so nice to be back in my old flat and with the best flatmates in the world. I can't tell you how great Hannah and Claire were. They really were such fantastic flatmates and I miss them so much!

Although I thought that splitting my time in Europe would be fine, I ended up with only 4 days in London after BCN and Rome, which simply wasn't enough. I didn't get to catch up with some friends, but overall it was a great time. I wandered the West End, Soho, South Bank, and other favorite spots in the city. I got to see Melanie, who was supposed to start her masters at the Uni of Greenwhich, and we had a fun night out in Soho.

When it was time to come home, I was ready. Living out of a bag and moving to a new city after only 3 or 4 days is exhausting. The trip was fantastic, and I'm so glad that I got to visit all of my friends. Although I desperately miss my European lifestyle, it was a relief to come back to my 'large' flat with granite counter tops, a clothes dryer, and a dishwasher :P

The trip was fantastic, and I can't wait to return in August for Rachel and Mark's wedding!

xxxx

I'm alive, I swear

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:46:00 +0000

Guys, I'm alive.... I am so delayed on updating the blog... I need to tell you all about my European vacation, the roommate moving out, school, interviews for summer internships, Cabo for spring break - so much excitement going on!

Thank god I got that HP mini and it crashed on me. What a great piece of equipment.... psyche! Anyway, I'll update you when I get it back.

x

2009 in review

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Wow, well 2010 came around a lot more quickly than I had anticipated, so let's do a recap of the past year. In 2009, I have traveled to Cinque Terre, Paris, Madrid, NYC (twice), Vail, Dubai, Cairo, LA, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and last but not least, Leawood Kansas!! I've launched a digital media strategy, and had to leave a company I loved. I fell in love with someone, then got my heart broken. I moved my life from London and cried about it for days. I bought a condo, and it's the coolest thing that I can call my own. I started my MBA, and hope it's the right choice. My mom's boyfriend moved into our house and he spent Christmas with us for the first time. I've made new friends, and had the chance to catch up with old ones.

2009 has been crazy, fun, sad, exciting, and difficult sometimes. I've been lucky for all the opportunities I've had. Let's hope 2010 is just as good to me :)

I hope you all have a good 2010 too! xoxo

Your love is black

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:59:00 +0000

Look out to the calm sea
I don't know why that I want to cry
When I feel this high
Nature seems to know me
So many times she's been below me
And so I sit and we dream
As my soul she tries to lift

Seems I lost my way last night
But I was reborned by daylight.
Seems I get another chance
Another chance to dance away
Now you bring your loving back
But don't you know your love is black?
And now your here pooring in the dark
'Cause you can't see inside my heart

Look out, your love is black
Look out, your love is black
Look out, your love is black

Close my eyes, and I can breathe
I can feel
What is right, what is true, what is real

Seems you lost your way last night
You were back here by daylight
And now your words are black and cold
And your lies are tired and old
Nature is calming me
'Cause your love was harming me
And now I shed that colder harm
I wasn't safe there in your arms

Look out, your love is black
Look out, your love is black
Look out, your love is black

It's true I loved you once
It's true you were once mine

I lost my way

-kaskade

You know you've been in London too long when...

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:36:00 +0000

1. You don't even bother looking out of the window when you get up in the morning to check what the day is like. You know it is overcast.
2. You believe that Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday are all good nights for drinking. Sunday day is also entirely reasonable.
3. You can't remember what 'customer service' means.
4. After a big night out you find yourself looking for a Curry house and nota 24 hour McDonalds.
5. You start to accept queuing as a way of life.
6. More than three hours sunlight on summer days seems excessive.
7. You always call soccer 'football' ...and you have a team...and it's not Manchester United.
8. You don't think twice about buying a packaged sandwich.
9. A sunny lunchtime means searching for a patch of grass and stripping offpractically down to your underwear.
10. You expect men to actually cut, comb and style their hair (using hairproducts). And to wear decent clothes. Jeans and a t-shirt are no longersocially acceptable.
11. You think 40 quid for a haircut is quite reasonable.
12. You finish every sentence with "Cheers" or "In'it", and start everyconversation with Hiya.
13. You only just realise you have lost your sunglasses - you left them in Greece 2 summers ago.
14. You start thinking English cuisine isn't all that bad after all, I mean,it's hard to beat a full English breakfast.
15. You are on to your 6th umbrella and your second overcoat.
16. You buy a disposable baby BBQ from Argos.
17. You realise your sunscreen is the stuff you originally brought from hom ewith you.
18. A day at the beach means wearing the warmest clothes you own while standing on golf ball-size pebbles and the thought of swimming doesn't evenenter your head.
19. You actually say, "Sor'ed" or "it's all gone a bit pear shaped".
20. Wearing a suit in a pub is normal attire.
21. You have given up complaining about the Victorian-like banking services offered in the UK.
22. You have given up explaining why you are half an hour late to work asno-one notices or even cares. In fact - you may even join the one hour gossip session around the coffee machine before booting up your computer.
23. Coming to work with a hangover is entirely accepted and indeed expectedat least once a week.

V Festival

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:36:00 +0000

So I downloaded the new Ga album and WOW, it's freaking fantastic. This definitely isn't my favourite song, but OMG why did I not go to V Festival this past summer?!?!

Watch this clip from 3.30 on. It makes me miss London like whoa....

Love the Ga. She is seriously so fab - not to mention the whole festival mentality of the British... love them both! x

Is it sad?

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:59:00 +0000

Is it sad that my heart skips a beat knowing that you still care enough to follow me?

For whatever it's worth to you, I still beat myself up about the way things are.

Cover up, Santa!

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:25:00 +0000

I know I've already made fun of you Texas, but you just make yourself such an easy target! I heard in the news that one gentleman, McBee, put out a replica of Michaelangelo's David on his lawn with just a Santa hat - thinking his neighbors would get a laugh from it.

Well, this was not the case. Neighbors became angry and said that Santa had to cover up, because children in this upscale neighborhood were asking why Santa was naked - seriously kids, take an anatomy class. Everyone's got junk.

The replica statue is now rocking some velvet, chip'n'dale-like shorts, and McBee added a bow for good measure. Good work, mate.

Someone please get Texas some art historians to enlighten this sheltered state. Thanks.

The extinction of landlines

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:22:00 +0000

I just realised today when I was watching Seinfeld that I don't have a landline..... and you probably don't either. Why would you need one when you have an iPhone, which conveniently has all of the answers to life in the press of a button?

Can you remember the days when we were stuck to a phone that had a chord that was stuck to a wall? It's kind of crazy to think back to when wireless handsets were a novelty....

Does this mean that I'm going to have to explain what a landline is to my kids? I guess you might as well add CD's to that list too because iPods have that on lock.

second biggest pet peeve ever

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Rich, pretentious people drive me crazy, not as much as ignorant people do.... but almost as much. I don't get why some people need to flash what they have or talk about how they bought a $1500 ball gown, or how your daddy's friend is jetting you somewhere, or how you new Rolex is awesome, or about your beamer.

Congratu-fucking-lations that your dad has a lot of money. I really don't care, and no one else does either.

Where is social grace these days? Sheesh.

Bulletproof

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Been there done that messed around,
I'm having fun don't put me down
I'll never let you
sweep me off my feet.

I won't let you in again,
The messages I've tried to send,
My information's just not going in.

Burning bridges shore to shore,
I'll break away from something more
I'm not to not to love
until it's cheap.

Been there done that messed around
I'm having fun don't put me down,
I'll never let you
sweep me off my feet.

This time baby I'll be bulletproof,
This time baby I'll be bulletproof.

I won't let you turn around
And tell me now I'm much too proud
To walk away from something
when it's dead.

Do do do your dirty words
Come out to play when you are heard
There's certain things
that should be left unsaid.

Tick tick tick tick on the watch
And life's too short for me to stop
Oh baby, your time is running out.

I won't let you turn around
And tell me now I'm much too proud
All you do
is fill me up with doubt.

This time baby I'll be bulletproof.

-La Roux

Watch the video too.

twenty-something woes

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:34:00 +0000

Part of being twenty-something is figuring out what you like and don't like about life, relationships and people. For instance, how many guys is it OK to date? I'm not quite sure on that number yet, but until I get in trouble, I'm rolling with it.

I think I have a pretty good idea about these twenty-something issues the majority of the time, and one of the things I don't want is to get involved with some jerk who doesn't know what he wants with me, because things are too 'complicated' or 'difficult'.

Does life ever really need to be that complicated? Not in my book. Life is so much better spending it with people who make you feel fab.

So, if you're not making me feel fab, then I simply don't have time to schedule you into my life :)

biggest.pet.peeve.EVER.

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:50:00 +0000

Have people completely forgotten their manners? Since I've bought my new place, I've been shocked at the number of people who will outright ask me how I'm financing my new place.

I don't know how you were raised, but I was raised with class and manners. For those of you who lack these social graces, let me help you out: never ask anyone about money. EVER.

I know I'm young, but really, do you need to ask me 'if mommy and daddy bought it for me' or 'how can you do that at 24?'? Listen people, Mark Zuckerberg started facebook at 20, and now he's a billionaire. Some young people are smart and have it figured out. Get over it.

I understand that you might have not done the same thing when you were 24; but just because you didn't, doesn't mean that you need to ask me what's in my bank account. I would just never ask anyone about that, and I'm not sure why other people feel at liberty to do so. It's awkward and rude.

And another year passes...

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:33:00 +0000

Today is the ninth year anniversary since my dad passed away. It seems like it couldn't have been that long, but I guess it has. It's weird since this is the first time I've been back in the states for his anniversary in 3 years.....

Anyway, dad, I miss you every day, and I wish you were here. xo

Quote of the day

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:59:00 +0000

"Where we have strong emotions, we're liable to fool ourselves."

Carl Sagan

Tidy up

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:14:00 +0000

Hilarious Ikea commercial that I came across...

You're too ugly to commit crime

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:46:00 +0000

Ohhhh British people crack me up... I just came across an article about David Holyoak of Manchester, who was warned yesterday that he was 'too ugly' to commit crimes.

The bank raider now known as Shrek, supposedly left himself as an easy target for the coppers to find him. Apparently the man started a three and a half year sentence yesterday for robbery.

One official said "This man needs to look in the mirror and realise that crime is not for him."

You could spot this man a mile away, and if he were in my group of robbers, he would be a liability to my team. Better luck next time bud.

Faking cancer for breast implants

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:25:00 +0000

This has to be one of the most disgusting stories I've read in recent days, but apparently a woman in Texas faked having cancer so she could get breast implants. Trista Joy Lathern, a 24 year old, watched her friends raise $10k at a benefit for her, which - this is the best part - these boobs were supposedly going to save her 7 month marriage. Really Trista? I mean... REALLY?

In order to keep her story viable, she even shaved her head to look like a cancer patient.

Since her real deal has been uncovered, her husband has filed for divorce, and she's been charged with deception and theft.

Please shoot me if I ever think that my boobs will have that much power over a man.

Quote of the day

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:06:00 +0000

"Speech is conveniently located midway between thought and action, where it often substitutes for both."

John Andrew Holmes

Egypt

taywhit@gmail.com (Taylor Whitmer) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:13:00 +0000

I realized I started this post a long time ago and never finished it.... so here's my trip to Cairo! My trip to Egypt was probably one of the craziest trips I have ever been on. I was meeting two of my UCSB friends, Jarrod and Tamara, and we were meeting in Rome then flying to Cairo. Jarrod had been living in Rome at the time and Tamara was in Paris, so it worked out well. Because we flew a red-eye flight, we arrived in Cairo around 3 or 4 am. We found the counter for the Marriott, and then took a dodgy cab into town. Upon arriving in our 5 star hotel, they let us check into our room early, thank goodness because we were all jet lagged.

When we finally got up and decided to wander the city, Tamara and I knew that since it was Muslim, we had to be conservatively dressed. Let me just say that all travel guides I had read before going did not stress the importance of covering EVERYTHING. Girls, if you go, go with a guy, cover up from head to toe - literally, everything. It was a major culture shock and I think all three of us were really intimidated, especially when you add the language barrier and the chaos of the traffic. However, after a quick closet change and getting lost, we made it to the Egyptian Museum, which was incredible. It was jam packed with hundreds and hundreds of treasures from the tombs. I've never seen so many ancient artifacts - really impressive.

The next day we woke up early to meet with a family friend of Jarrod's friend (that sounds really long and convoluted haha)... He acted as our personal driver and took us to Giza so we could see the pyramids. This was a really good call because once we were with an Egyptian, no one tried to rip us off. We arrived at the base camp of Giza, and of course, stopped at a perfume shop where the offered us tea and coffee. You were always offered tea wherever you went. Then got on our camels to ride to the pyramids - it was actually quite a long camel ride.

The pyramids are hands down, the most impressive thing I've seen in my life. Each stone is at least as tall as me, and pictures can't even do justice to how massive they are. We actually got the chance to go into a tomb too. We arrived at one of the spots, and there was a local Egptian guarding the door. Our driver negotiated a price, and we paid him to get into the tomb. Now this guy wasn't a national employee or anything, just an average guy... These were the sort of shady things that we started noticing. At any rate, the chance to go into a tomb and to see the heiroglyphics was absolutely incredible. We also got to see the sphinx

From Giza, we headed back to Cairo and went to the Khan el-khalili - yes, the same bazaar that was bombed two days after I left. The bazaar was an intricate weave of streets where the vendors would physically grab you to come into their store and constantly yell crude remarks at you. I can't tell you how many times I heard "spicey girls, pssst, psssst!!" It was really overbearing, and really made you feel uncomfortable.

After the bazaar, we dodged the traffic across the street to the mosque. There were literally mosques everywhere in the city and you were guaranteed to hear the singing and prayers five times a day. It really brought the "we're in a different place" element. We entered and had to take off our shoes and completely cover up. It was funny because we basically had to pay for a 'tour', which turned out to be a guy who gave us a ton of reading material about why we should convert to Muslim. Anyway, it was cool to watch the prayers and the children play.

We finished up at the mosque and went back to the hotel. At this point we were starving, so we walked down the street, dodging traffic, to a local Egyptian place. The food was incredible. There were all sorts of dips like hummus and tzaziki and falafels. I had no idea what half the food was, but loved it all!

The following day, Tamara and I were exhausted so we decided to hang out at the pool and get some sun. It was so relaxing and just what we needed to get out of the cold weather in Paris and London! Then we headed back to the bazaar so Jarrod could pick up a few things.

One of the reasons why the trip was so unsettling was because you felt like you were constantly getting ripped off, or like there was some scam.... it was like there was a fat dollar sign on me and each Egyptian would inflate their prices at least three times the normal price. And because the men are so persistent, it was like they were always grabbing you, or following you. It was a bit scary. The fact that their average police officer would walk around with huge rifles was a bit unsettling too... You felt as if there was always something shady going on. However, once you had some sort of relationship, they were the kindest most welcoming people. They would always serve you tea or coffee, no questions asked.

Overall, Cairo was one of the coolest places I've ever been, despite feeling completely out of my element the majority of the time. Seeing how people lived in such an impoverished and crumbling city was fascinating, and my interest in Muslim religion and Arabic nations continues to increase - not to mention getting the chance to see the pyramids! I would definitely go back, but would only go as long as I was with a guy and had some sort of guide to stay with us the trip.... after all, it is a third world country, and terrorists attacked the bazaar just days after we were there.

Bottom line: DO CAIRO!